NFL 2008: Player Scouting Combine and NFL Draft

With Xs & Os breakdowns from this past NCAA College football season, Mayock selected Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall over Arkansas’ Darren McFadden as his top running back. In addition, USC’s Sedrick Ellis gets the edge over LSU’s Glenn Dorsey at defensive tackle.

Mayock on Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall vs. Arkansas’ Darren McFadden

"Mendenhall translates better to the NFL game. He’s 225 pounds and has great feet and tremendous burst and acceleration for a player of his size. My biggest concern with McFadden is that although he also has great burst and acceleration, I don’t think he has the lower body strength that you’re looking for in a first-round NFL back."

Mayock on USC’s Sedrick Ellis vs. LSU’s Glenn Dorsey

"They are both great football players and it’s a very difficult evaluation between the two as to who is better because they are both top-10 picks. What I like about Ellis is that he played nose tackle in a 3-4 defense at USC and that will appeal to 3-4 NFL teams. In addition, he will also appeal to the 4-3 teams because he has the quickness to play the 'three technique.' Dorsey is a great football player and I give him credit for playing through injuries the past few years. However his durability is a concern."